Presentation Information
[31q821XY-02]High Motivation, Low Capacity: Why Perinatal Mental-Health Screening Remains Rare in Frontline Midwifery Care
*Siti Khuzaiyah1, Rufidah Maulina2, Elsa Tursina3, Agustina Catur Setyaningrum5, Fadhila Tsania Richa4 (1. Universitas Muhammadiyah Pekajangan Pekalongan, Central Java, Indonesia (Indonesia), 2. Universitas Negeri Sebelas Maret (Indonesia), 3. Politeknik Negeri Jember (Indonesia), 4. Universitas Brawijaya (Indonesia), 5. Badan Pelatihan Tenaga Kesehatan, Semarang (Indonesia))
Keywords:
perinatal mental health,screening,midiwfery,Indonesia
[Purpose] To assess Indonesian midwives’ knowledge, attitudes, and experiences regarding perinatal mental-health care and to identify factors influencing their use of screening tools.
[Method] A mixed-methods study was conducted using a cross-sectional online survey of 300 midwives from diverse health-care settings, complemented by qualitative analysis of open-ended responses. Quantitative variables included training exposure, access to resources, knowledge levels, and screening practices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and pathway modelling, while attitudes were measured on Likert scales. Qualitative findings explored perceived system-level barriers and individual readiness to implement screening.
[Results] Participants had a mean of 15 years of professional experience, yet only 9.7% had ever used a mental-health screening tool. Formal training was limited (8.7%), and only 34.3% reported access to guidelines; among them, just one-third actively used these resources. Higher screening knowledge significantly predicted greater utilisation (β=3.05, p<0.001). Access to structured information sources, such as public-health offices or academic mentors, significantly increased knowledge (β=1.42, p<0.001). Qualitative themes revealed strong commitment to holistic maternal care but highlighted institutional barriers, including limited policy support, unclear referral pathways, and heavy administrative workloads.
[Consideration] Midwives in Indonesia are willing to screen for perinatal mental-health problems, but gaps in training, guidelines, and institutional support hinder implementation. Addressing these gaps is critical to translating commitment into consistent, early mental-health care for mothers and babies.
[Conclusion] Indonesian midwives demonstrate high motivation but insufficient preparation to address perinatal mental-health needs effectively. Expanding access to culturally sensitive training, validated and user-friendly screening tools, clear referral systems, and supportive policy frameworks is essential. Strengthening these areas may enable routine early detection and intervention, improving maternal and infant health outcomes nationwide.
[Method] A mixed-methods study was conducted using a cross-sectional online survey of 300 midwives from diverse health-care settings, complemented by qualitative analysis of open-ended responses. Quantitative variables included training exposure, access to resources, knowledge levels, and screening practices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and pathway modelling, while attitudes were measured on Likert scales. Qualitative findings explored perceived system-level barriers and individual readiness to implement screening.
[Results] Participants had a mean of 15 years of professional experience, yet only 9.7% had ever used a mental-health screening tool. Formal training was limited (8.7%), and only 34.3% reported access to guidelines; among them, just one-third actively used these resources. Higher screening knowledge significantly predicted greater utilisation (β=3.05, p<0.001). Access to structured information sources, such as public-health offices or academic mentors, significantly increased knowledge (β=1.42, p<0.001). Qualitative themes revealed strong commitment to holistic maternal care but highlighted institutional barriers, including limited policy support, unclear referral pathways, and heavy administrative workloads.
[Consideration] Midwives in Indonesia are willing to screen for perinatal mental-health problems, but gaps in training, guidelines, and institutional support hinder implementation. Addressing these gaps is critical to translating commitment into consistent, early mental-health care for mothers and babies.
[Conclusion] Indonesian midwives demonstrate high motivation but insufficient preparation to address perinatal mental-health needs effectively. Expanding access to culturally sensitive training, validated and user-friendly screening tools, clear referral systems, and supportive policy frameworks is essential. Strengthening these areas may enable routine early detection and intervention, improving maternal and infant health outcomes nationwide.
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